CPL POLICIES

For the Credit for Prior Learning program to operate effectively, the following policies have been adopted by the University:

CPL is limited to 30 hours of credit for undergraduates; graduate students should be advised by their major department on the maximum number of CPL hours approved.
CPL cannot be used to meet, replace, or substitute for general education, thematic studies, or a senior project.
CPL will be granted if approved by qualified UofM faculty or recommended by the American Council on Education (ACE).
CPL is not issued grades, but rather awarded credit hours.
CPL cannot replace a failing grade or duplicate previously earned credit for a course.
Lower division CPL credit hours cannot be applied to satisfy upper division requirements.
Students must pay all applicable fees before CPL awarded hours will be posted to the students' transcripts.
It is strongly recommended that students seek CPL no fewer than six months prior to their planned graduation date.
Students are advised that such credit may not be recognized by new majors or transfer to other institutions.
CPL is not guaranteed.

CAEL Standards for Assessing Learning

The University of Memphis adheres to the guidelines established by the Council of Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL) for recognizing and assessing prior learning:

1) Credit or competencies are awarded only for evidence of learning, not for experience or time spent.

2) Assessment is integral to learning because it leads to and enables future learning.

3) Assessment is based on criteria for outcomes that are clearly articulated and shared among constituencies.

4) The determination of credit awards and competence levels are made by appropriate subject matter and credentialing experts.

5) Assessment advances the broader purpose of equity and access for diverse individuals and groups.

6) Institutions proactively provide guidance and support for learners’ full engagement in the assessment process.

7) Assessment policies and procedures are the result of inclusive deliberation and are shared with all constituencies.

8) Fees charged for assessment are based on the services performed in the process rather than the credit awarded.

9) All practitioners involved in the assessment process pursue and receive adequate training and continuing professional development for the functions they perform.

10) Assessment programs are regularly monitored, evaluated and revised to respond to institutional and learner needs.

Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL). (2025). 10 Standards for Assessing Learning. Retrieved from https://www.cael.org/10-standards-for-assessing-learning